Throat Surgery- Diagnosis & Recovery

Throat Infection Treatment Options

A throat infection can be caused due to a variety of reasons. The treatment may vary on the basis of severity and type of infection. Initially, an ENT doctor recommends conservative methods or medications to help relieve the condition. Some conservative methods to treat throat infections are mentioned below:

Antibiotics are the primary and most effective treatment for throat infections caused by bacteria.

Besides reducing fever and relieving cough, an over-the-counter drug may be prescribed to help treat bacterial throat infections.

Throat infection caused by the virus will eventually get well on its own. However, the following actions could be taken into consideration in order to quicken the process:

• Drink a lot of water.
• Use warm salt water to gargle.
• Don’t consume alcohol and avoid smoking.
• Take cough syrup or pills to calm the throat. 
• Soup and other warm beverages, such as tea, can help with sore throat discomfort.

Benefits of Throat Infection Treatment

Some common benefits of throat infection surgery are as follows:

• Improved quality of life: Throat infection causes a variety of symptoms that can be painful as well as frustrating. A successful throat infection can improve the overall quality of life. 
• Fewer infections: Throat infection surgery provides relief from pain, swollen glands, and other painful symptoms. It also reduces the chances of persistent infections. 
• Less use of medication: A doctor usually prescribes antibiotics for throat infection, these antibiotics have many benefits, but they kill off the good bacteria. Surgery can help in reducing bacterial resistance to infection-fighting drugs by reducing the need for antibiotics. 

• Improved sleep: Throat infection causes various painful symptoms that can disrupt sleep. A lack of sleep can make you feel tired during the day and can have a negative impact on your mood as well. Surgery can help to resolve other sleep-related issues, too, such as sleep apnea. 

Preparation Before Throat Infection Treatment

It is important to prepare yourself for throat infection surgery to avoid any chances of complications during the procedure. Being prepared for the surgery helps keep you calm during the procedure. Listed below are some preparation tips to follow to prepare for

• Avoid taking any kind of inflammatory medicines, also known as NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, warfarin, aspirin, etc. These medicines can increase the chances of excessive bleeding during the surgery. 
• Avoid eating or drinking anything for up to 8 hours before the surgery. 
• Stop using any herbal supplements, such as ginseng and ginger.
• Avoid consuming alcohol and give up smoking to avoid any chances of complications during surgery.
• Discuss your medical history, genetic conditions, allergies, bleeding disorders, etc., in detail with your ENT surgeon. 
• Make sure you bring an attendant along with you.
• Keep all the necessary paperwork handy, including identification documents, insurance papers, etc. 
• For the time you will be recovering, plan your chores accordingly.

Recovery After Throat Infection Treatment

Here are a few suggestions that can help boost your recovery after throat infection surgery: 

• Get enough sleep, it will boost your recovery.
• To prevent swelling and keep your throat moisturized, drink plenty of water.
• Avoid eating things that are hard since they might scrape the surgical site and cause difficulty following the treatment. Examples include nuts, maize, and fried foods.
• Eat soft, healthful meals that are simple to swallow, such as mashed potatoes, boiled vegetables, ice cream, boiled eggs, bananas, avocados, yogurt, cottage cheese, and pudding.
• Take good care of your wounds and take all the prescribed medicines on time.
• Do not miss your post-surgery follow-up consultation with your healthcare provider.
• You must avoid long-distance travel for at least two weeks. If it’s important, it’s essential to speak with your surgeon regarding the same.

Risk & Complications Associated with Throat Infection Surgery

Throat infection surgeries are generally quite safe. However, they still accompany some risks. Listed below are some of the risks of throat infection surgery:

• Ear and sinus infection 
• Severe cough
• Body pain
• High fever
• Soreness 
• Pain
• Swelling
• Nausea or vomiting

Lifestyle Changes After Throat Infection Surgery

After a throat infection surgery, the patient’s lifestyle will likely change in many ways. It is important to be aware of these changes and to make the necessary adjustments in order to ensure a successful recovery.

• Take time off work: To start, the patient should plan on taking at least a week off from work to rest and recover. 
• Increase fluid intake: During the healing period, it is important to get plenty of rest and to eat only soft foods to reduce the risk of bleeding or discomfort. 
• Avoid strenuous activities: Avoid strenuous activities, such as going to the gym or running, as this can cause further bleeding or discomfort. 
• Take prescribed medications: It is also important to take medications as prescribed by the doctor. This includes pain medications and antibiotics if prescribed. 
• Avoid caffeine: It is also important to stay hydrated. It can help keep the throat lubricated and reduce any discomfort. But you should avoid drinks that are high in sugar or caffeine.
• Practice good hygiene: It is important to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss regularly. This can help reduce the risk of infection and can help keep the throat clean.

Cost of Throat Infection Surgery

The cost of throat infection surgery in India typically ranges from around INR 40,000 to INR  90,000. This is the estimated cost of surgery, the final cost can vary depending on various factors, including

• City of the treatment,
• Experience of the surgeon 
• Cost of diagnostic tests 
• Any pre-existing health condition
• The severity of the condition,
• Cost of medication
• Choice of the hospital

Non-Surgical Treatments for Throat Infection

• Honey: Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey can soothe a sore throat. It is helpful for those who can’t take traditional cold medications. Overall, honey is a good way to help soothe a sore throat and cough. 
• Baking soda gargle: Gargling with a baking soda saltwater mixture can help relieve a sore throat. This oral solution can help reduce bacteria and prevent the growth of fungi. NCI recommends gargling with and gently swishing around a combination of 1 cup of warm water, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/8 teaspoon of salt.
• Saltwater gargle: Gargling with salt water can effectively help in soothing a sore throat and break down secretions. Make a saltwater solution by adding half a teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water. 
• Chamomile tea: It is helpful in treating sore throat. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties. It stimulates the immune system to help your body treat the condition that causes sore throat. 
• Peppermint: It is known for its ability to freshen the breath. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and some antibacterial and antiviral qualities. Peppermint also contains the compound methanol, which helps thin mucus and calm sore throats and coughs.   
• Fenugreek: Fenugreek herb is available in many forms. It is a common remedy for sore throats. One spoonful of fenugreek paste, when mixed with honey and lemon, reduces fever and relief from a cough and cold. 
• Marshmallow root: It is a type of herb that contains mucilage, a mucus-like substance that coats and soothes a sore throat.  Marshmallow root is available in products like teas, supplements, and lozenges and may help coat your throat to reduce discomfort.
• Licorice root: It is helpful in treating sore throat. Boil a few sticks of licorice in water and sip it down slowly to cure sore throat. 
• Slippery elm: It also contains mucilage. When mixed with water, slippery elm forms a slick gel that coats and soothes the throat. It is a traditional therapy for sore throat.  
• Garlic: It has natural antibacterial properties as well. It contains allicin, a compound known for its ability to fight off viral infections. Taking garlic supplements daily can help prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections, these same respiratory tract infections may cause a sore throat.   
• Cayenne pepper: It is used as a pain reliever, cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, a natural compound known for blocking pain receptors. Ingesting cayenne mixed with warm water and honey can help with sore throat pain. 
• Broth or soup: Chicken soup is supposed to be an effective remedy for respiratory and throat conditions. The broth in chicken soup soothes a sore throat and helps inhibit the movement of white blood cells called neutrophils. 
• Steam and humidity: Inhaling steam can help to ease a sore throat. Add boiled water to a bowl, drape a towel over your head, and breathe normally, allowing the steam to enter through your mouth and nose. Do this for 10-15 minutes. 

Signs of Throat Infection

Symptoms of a sore throat can vary depending on the cause. Signs and symptoms might include:

• Pain or a scratchy sensation in the throat
• Pain that worsens with swallowing or talking
• Difficulty swallowing
• Sore, swollen glands in your neck or jaw
• Swollen, red tonsils
• White patches or pus on your tonsils
• A hoarse or muffled voice

What Happens If Throat Infection Left Untreated?

If throat thorat infection is left untreated, it can cause the following complications:

• Rheumatic fever: If strep throat isn’t treated, the bacteria are left to continue to populate the throat region unchecked. The bacteria can end up creating a persistent immune response in the body. If this happens, the body can end up in overdrive and mistake organs and joints as part of the infection and attack them. When this happens, you can experience inflammation of the joints or arthritis develop. When the bacteria attacks organs, this can sometimes end up being the heart. If the heart valves are damaged, potential heart failure can result.
• Otitis media: It usually occurs when strep throat bacteria move into the inner ear and cause an ear infection. Bacteria in the inner ear can cause severe pain, dizziness, and nausea.
• Meningitis: If strep throat is left untreated, it can worsen into meningitis. Meningitis occurs when the fluid surrounding the membranes of the brain and spinal cord becomes infected. In some rare cases, meningitis can be fatal.
• Pneumonia: When the bacteria that cause strep throat move into the lungs, then it can cause pneumonia. Pneumonia is when the air sacs in one or both lungs are inflamed. The air sacs can fill with fluid or pus, making breathing laborious.
• Toxic shock syndrome: In rare cases, the bacteria can enter your bloodstream if the bacteria release toxins in multiple organs, while in the bloodstream, it causes toxic shock syndrome. This results in catastrophic organ failure.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Throat Infection Treatment

It is important to consult your surgeon and ask the following questions to understand the severity of the condition and the risks and complications associated with it:

• What is the best treatment option for a throat infection?
• What are the potential risks and complications of throat infection?
• Is medication effective for throat infections?
• Is throat infection serious?
• What is the recovery period after throat infection surgery?
• What are the advantages of throat infection surgery?
• What precautions do I need to take after throat infection surgery to promote healing?
• What are the main causes of throat infection?
• Are throat infections normal?
• What happens if a throat infection is left untreated?
• What is the success rate of throat infection surgery?
• Can throat infection spread?
• Is throat infection permanent?